Manuscript Illumination for Beginners

Course Title: Manuscript Illumination for Beginners

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught hours: 20

Session Titles

The weekly programme will depend on the specific group dynamics, with the tutor moderating the content depending on the development of skills for the individual students as they pursue their art work. This will involve the setting up a series of projects to allow students to practise their painting.

Course Overview

Some of the most beautiful objects to survive from the mediæval world in the west are the sumptuous illuminated manuscripts, often made by monks and nuns in the abbeys hat filled the medieval landscape. In their scriptoria they would work with some of the most precious materials, like gold leaf and lapis lazuli, to create stunning intricate designs, not only for great statement pieces, like the Book of Kells, but private books of hours and even legal documents.

On the course we will discover how to make an illuminated miniature. This is a highly detailed image embellished with gold leaf and colour that would have been used to decorate ancient and mediæval manuscripts. We will emulate as closely as possible the materials that would have been used by our medieval ancestors such as real gold leaf, vellum and even garlic juice!

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• understand the technical qualities of illumunation as an art medium.
• use illumination techniques for the production of images in which you explore subject matter of interest to you.
• have the confidence to experiment with watercolour and investigate different compositional elements in creating images.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities to facilitate practical work in art. These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.